Africa’s urban-rural digital gaps are closing in. Tower builds and satellite launches are closing rural gaps while reinforcing national digital networks. “Rural sites are often at risk from theft, vandalism or maintenance neglect. Ethio Telecom announced plans to deploy 1,298 new mobile sites in FY2024–2025, including 165 rural sites, alongside major fibre extensions. Satellite services have become a third, fast-moving vector for connectivity in 2025, especially where ground builds are slow or terrain is hostile.